VietNamNet Bridge – Reigning vertical running world champion Thomas Dold will return to Viet Nam to participate in the second edition of the Ha Noi Vertical Run at the country's tallest building, Landmark 72.

Thomas Dold of Germany celebrates winning a vertical run. -- VNS Photo courtesy of the Germany Embassy.

It will be the second time the German – who is widely recognised as the most successful vertical runner in the world – has arrived in Viet Nam to take part in a vertical run. During his appearance in the Bitexco Vertical Run 2010 he came first.

Dold will be the leading contender for the September 15 race at one of Ha Noi's major landmarks.

Besides Dold featuring in the elite race, hundreds of participants are expected to take part in the event, which includes various events designed for different age brackets.

Racers will face the challenge of climbing 1,914 steps to the finish line at the top floor of the building – 350m above street level.

As a seven-time winner of the prestigious Empire State Building Run-Up in New York City, Stuttgart-born Dold is the undisputed king of this relatively new sport.

Runners will be flagged off in groups of between 10 to 15 people, starting in the morning and expected to finish by early afternoon.

Children aged 12 and above of all fitness levels are encouraged to join what is expected to be a fun and energetic event.

Source: VNS